Besides, he was under sufficient pressure just now for me to spare him the consideration of so disturbing a matter, especially as he had left a substitute behind whose business it was, not only to relieve Mrs.Packard in regard to the libelous paragraph, but in all other directions to which his attention might be called.

I would see Mr.Steele; he would surely be able to think up some scheme by which that aperture might be investigated without creating too much disturbance in the house.
An opportunity for doing this was not long in presenting itself.

Mr.
Steele came in about nine o'clock and passed at once into the study.

The next moment I was knocking at his door, my heart in any mouth, but my determination strung up to the point of daring anything and everything for the end I had in view.
Fortunately he came to the door; I could never have entered without his encouragement.

As I met his eye I was ashamed of the color my cheeks undoubtedly showed, but felt reconciled the next minute, for he was not quite disembarrassed himself, though he betrayed it by a little extra paleness rather than by a flush, such as had so disturbed myself.
Both of us were quite natural in a moment, however, and answering his courteous gesture I stepped in and at once opened up my business.
"You must pardon me," said I, "for this infringement upon the usual rules of this office.